Getting Ready

I love the beach. The water, the sand, the sun. Sometimes it feels as if my year goes something like this: ElaineWilder Look forward to going to the beach, go to the beach, remember the trip to the beach and start planning for next year. My son Elliott shares my passion. In fact, during that terrible snow and ice storm earlier this year, Elliott and I found ourselves out walking and all Elliott kept saying through chattering teeth was, "I want to go to the beach."

So lately, when I find myself needing something mindless to do, I often surf the web looking for options for our next trip to the beach. We probably won't go until September, but I want to make plans so that I can start looking forward to the trip. Anticipation is half the fun.

And so it is with Christmas. We find ourselves in a similar rhythm: Look forward to Christmas, celebrate Christmas, clean up and look forward to next year. This year, I've noticed that more and more people have put up decorations and done lots of shopping before Thanksgiving. And while at first I didn't understand this, I've gained a newfound respect for those who start early.

Getting ready is half the fun, especially if we have the right attitude. As I put up decorations, I imagine the excitement of Christmas morning. As I shop for the perfect gift, I remember how grateful I am for each person on my list. As I grocery shop and plan meals, I look forward to hosting loved ones and friends. Christmas Day lasts only 24 hours, but we spend weeks and weeks getting ready.

Advent is the season when we as a Church get ready for Christmas. Amidst the presents and decorations, we remember that we also need to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the Christ child. The birth of Jesus is such a monumental event that we need time to prepare. We need time to anticipate. We need time to get right with God. My prayer for each of you is that you will not only set aside time to get ready, but that the preparations can be both helpful and transformational.

Let's get ready together,

News

Deck the Halls. Bring your children to the Fuse Box on Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 to 1:00 and get some shopping done! The children will make Christmas keepsakes and watch a Christmas movie, and the cost is only $10 per child! Nursery is also available. Please send a lunch with no nut products for the children to enjoy during the movie. RSVP by Tuesday, December 9 to kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org

Open Door Sunday School Class is hosting the annual poinsettia sale. Purchase yours today or next Sunday, December 7 for $15 on the Bridge or in the Family Life Hall lobby.

Be a Christmas Angel! This Christmas, help bring joy to local family. Information is on the bridge, in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. (Forrest Cate, ext.7806)

Advent's First Wednesday. Join us for Family Advent wreath making - $10, songs from the Cherub Choir, and carols led by the older children's choirs. There will also be a special meal - $6 adult, $4 ages 3 to 10, $20 family cap. The fun begins at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3 in the Family Life Hall!

Faith In Action. On December 7, the youth will be heading to Cobb Street Ministries to serve their community. We will take dinner, carols and games to the residents of CSM. 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Josh Sweeney ext. 7808)

The annual "Service of Nine Lessons and Carols" is Sunday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Through scripture and music we will hear again "... the tale of the loving purposes of God" and prepare our hearts for Christ's coming.

Young Adults Sunday School class meets Sundays in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building at 10:10 a.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Worship for our Homebound Members: On Sunday, December 7th at 5:00 pm we will have a dinner and short worship service in the Reception Hall. This gathering is intended for those who are unable to attend regular Sunday morning worship. We will sing familiar Christmas hymns and receive communion. Our gathering should last approximately one hour. Transportation and mobility assistance can be provided or a family member is welcome to attend. Minimum walking required. No cost; please RSVP to Erin Kimbrel by December 1 at ext. 7813. Questions? Contact Rev. Elaine Wilder.

Senior Adult Shop and Lunch. Join us for a morning of shopping at the Woodstock Outlet mall and then lunch at Beverly McCrary's house. Wednesday, December 3rd; meet at church at 9:30 am. RSVP to Milli Robinson, Church Receptionist.

Would you like to follow John Wesley's footsteps in England with the Youth Choir next year? The all-inclusive tour (June 1-10) is open to church members, family and friends. Enrollment is open for a limited time. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

The Men of the Church are holding a Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser. All trees will be first quality Fraser firs. Proceeds will support MFUMC's Weekday Ministry, Boy Scout Troop 277 and the MFUMC Youth. The men will have a tree lot this year in the Park on Polk. It will be open:

Friday 11/28
11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Saturday 11/29
11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Sunday
11/30 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Monday 12/1 through Friday 12/5
5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 12/6
9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Sunday 12/7
1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Checks for your purchase should be made payable to Marietta FUMC. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

The Church Office will be closed this Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

There is no Church Family Supper this week. Happy Thanksgiving.

Church Family Supper returns on Wednesday, December 3: Chef salad with dessert or Breakfast (Brinner) Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, grits, french toast casserole with syrup on the side

Kids- same as adults except French toast sticks instead of French toast casserole

Save the Date

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 27

Church Office Closed

in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 27-28

Men With Trees

Christmas Tree and Wreath Lot Open

Friday, November 28

through Sunday, December 7

First Sunday in Advent